Sri Lanka PM seeks Japan’s assistance to develop conflict-affected areas

Wickremesinghe is the third leader to speak at the Japanese Parliament after US President Barack Obama and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

During his one hour speech, Premier Wickremesinghe said that Japan is expected to provide a pioneering contribution at a time the current government of Sri Lanka has reached before the economic transition of South East Asia. Prime Minister Abe expressed his gratitude for Sri Lanka’s continued support for Japan’s bid for a permanent seat in the Security Council.

After meeting with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe at his office in Tokyo, Abe said the two leaders agreed to upgrade the bilateral relationship to a comprehensive partnership covering a wide range of areas, including politics, security and economics.

Meanwhile, the Key Note address at the Science and Technology Summit in Kyoto was made by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

According to a joint declaration on the bilateral comprehensive partnership, Wickremesinghe noted that the Sri Lankan government will create a more favorable investment environment, urging Japanese firms to invest in the country.

The Premier emphasized that the new government is committed to ensure that the benefits of development are passed on to the people who went through sufferings in the past.

He is also expected to hold talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Emperor Akihito.

Furthermore, Prime Minister Abe stated that Japan will provide training to approximately 1,800 Sri Lankan local public officials by 2016 under the “Project for Training of Frontline Officers in Community Development in Conflict-Affected Areas”.

Wickremesinghe will be in Japan till Wednesday.

The visit aims at further strengthening the friendly relations between Japan and Sri Lanka.